Hebrew

Hebrew in the Lower School is characterized by a natural use of the Hebrew language. Students develop skills in all areas of language fluency including speaking, listening, writing, and reading. The school creates an avirah (atmosphere, environment) where Hebrew is heard and used in many settings on a daily basis. Hebrew is a living language that infuses holiday celebrations and comes alive through music, art, games, and food. It connects us to Jews around the world and Israel. As Jews, Hebrew links us to our past, the Torah, and prayers.

Kindergarten:

The Kindergarten program engages students through natural oral/aural language experiences. Students joyfully share their knowledge through:

• Singing and Israeli Dance
• Real conversations about daily routines involving clothing, snack, family, and weather
• Presentations showcasing the use of Hebrew for holiday celebrations and dramatic productions

“The Hebrew that the kindergarten children acquire is amazing. They learn so much so quickly.” – HMJDS Parent

First Grade:

Through active, multi-sensory experiences our first graders become students of the elements of the Hebrew language. Emphasis on beginning reading and block writing skills are integrated with continued oral language development. Language development is:

• Built on letter recognition and phonemic awareness
• Developed through student responses to teacher initiated questions
• Supported by the Tal Am materials

Second Grade:

Students continue their language development by applying grammatical principles to their reading and writings skills. Students begin to write original sentences and stories and speak in self-generated conversations. Major uses of the language include:

• Jewish holiday curriculum is learned through Hebrew language texts
• Engagement with their personal siddurim (prayer books) and use of the school siddur, With All Your Heart
• Writing and reading Hebrew cursive script

Third Grade:

Students learn and apply more sophisticated grammar skills including past tense, personal pronouns, and subject-verb agreement. Vocabulary is increased by understanding roots and structural patterns. Students develop their skills through:

• Expanded, descriptive oral responses and more complex writing
• HMJDS created materials complement Tal Am materials
• Original creative writing

Fourth Grade:

Hebrew becomes a vehicle for student self-expression. Language use progresses to past-tense verbs, the use of the infinitive, noun-adjective agreement, and paragraph structure. Description is a focus of writing, speaking, and reading. Examples of the use of Hebrew in authentic, real-life experiences are:

• Written descriptions of their personal characteristics and hobbies
• The Israeli restaurant simulation
• Oral presentations about Israel’s culture, geography, and history